Because when it comes to fertility, one size doesn’t fit all.
When Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story
When you first hear the words “low AMH,” it’s easy to feel discouraged—like a door has quietly closed. But at Hanabusa IVF in San Diego, we see it differently.
“Fertility is not defined by a single number,” says Dr. Lyndon Chang, Medical Director of Hanabusa IVF. “It’s defined by how we work with your body—not against it.”
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) gives us clues about egg quantity but not egg quality or potential. With the right strategy, women with low AMH can and do get pregnant—especially when treatment is gentle, personalized, and guided by a deep understanding of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).
What Is AMH and Why Does It Matter?
AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is produced by small follicles in your ovaries and helps estimate how many eggs remain in reserve.
- Higher AMH = more available eggs
- Lower AMH = fewer eggs responding to stimulation
But AMH doesn’t measure egg quality. Many women with low AMH still produce healthy eggs that lead to healthy pregnancies.
As Dr. Diana LeBlanc explains:
“We’ve helped countless women with AMH levels below 0.5 ng/mL achieve pregnancy through Mini IVF and Natural Cycle IVF. Low reserve means we need precision—not pressure.”
Causes & Risk Factors
Low AMH can result from a combination of natural aging and external factors:
- Age 35–45+ – natural decline in follicle count and egg quality
- Genetic predisposition – family history of early menopause or POI
- Past ovarian surgery or cysts
- Autoimmune or hormonal disorders
- Chemotherapy or radiation
- Environmental toxins and lifestyle stressors
- Unknown causes (idiopathic DOR)
Each case is unique. That’s why one size doesn’t fit all when developing a treatment plan.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
You might suspect low AMH if you notice:
- Shorter or lighter menstrual cycles
- Difficulty conceiving despite regular cycles
- Poor response to past IVF or stimulation
- Low follicle count on ultrasound
At Hanabusa IVF, diagnosis includes a comprehensive work-up:
- AMH blood test (any time in the cycle)
- Antral Follicle Count (AFC) via ultrasound
- Baseline FSH & estradiol levels
- Detailed review of medical history and prior cycles
Complications or Challenges
Without a tailored approach, low AMH can lead to:
- Cancelled cycles due to poor response
- Emotional exhaustion and financial stress
- Reduced egg quality from over-stimulation
Hanabusa’s low-stimulation protocols minimize these risks by working with your natural ovarian function instead of pushing it beyond capacity.
Treatment Options: Gentle, Personalized Approaches
Mini IVF / Low Stimulation IVF
Uses lower doses of medication to recruit fewer but higher-quality eggs. Ideal for patients with DOR or those seeking less invasive care.
Natural Cycle IVF
Follows your body’s natural rhythm—retrieving the single egg your body naturally produces each month.
Hybrid Protocols
Combine gentle stimulation with targeted support to balance egg yield and comfort.
Ovarian Rejuvenation / PRP Therapy
A regenerative technique designed to stimulate inactive follicles using your own platelets. (Still under study, offered in select cases.)
Egg Donation & Surrogacy
For women with extremely low reserve, donor eggs provide a path to pregnancy while still creating a genetic and emotional connection through the process of parenthood.
Learn more about our DOR and Low Reserve Treatment options →
Supporting Your Fertility Health
Practical steps to help support egg quality and cycle outcomes:
- Nutrition: Antioxidant-rich foods (fruit, leafy greens, omega-3s).
- Supplements: CoQ10, Vitamin D, and prenatals (as directed by your doctor).
- Acupuncture & Stress Management: Shown to enhance blood flow and reduce anxiety.
- Healthy Sleep & Exercise: Regulates hormones and supports circulation.
- Limit toxins: Avoid smoking, BPA, and excess caffeine.
“We focus on the whole picture — not just your labs,” notes Dr. LeBlanc. “Lifestyle and wellness matter as much as lab results.”
Success Rates & What to Expect
Research shows that even women with very low AMH can achieve pregnancy with the right protocol:
- Ongoing pregnancy rate: ~4–8 % per cycle for AMH < 0.2 ng/mL
- Cumulative success: 15–25 % after 3–4 cycles in specialized centers
- Mini IVF outcomes: Comparable live birth rates for women 40+ when focused on egg quality
Remember: success is cumulative. Each cycle teaches us how to fine-tune the next.
How It Works: Step by Step
- Initial Consultation – Virtual or in-clinic meeting to review labs, goals, and history.
- Customized Plan – Selection of protocol (Mini, Natural, Hybrid, or PRP).
- Stimulation & Monitoring – Gentle dosing with frequent ultrasound and hormone checks.
- Egg Retrieval & Fertilization – Precision timing to capture the best egg(s).
- Embryo Transfer & Support – Holistic preparation for implantation.
- Follow-Up & Next Steps – Continuous review with adjustments after each cycle.
When to Take the Next Step
You don’t need to wait for perfect labs to act. If you’re over 35 and trying to conceive, a consultation can help you understand your true options.
“Our goal is to offer a path forward for every patient—no matter how complex their case,” says Dr. Chang.
Who It’s For
Hanabusa’s Low AMH IVF protocols are ideal for women who:
- Are 35–45 with low AMH or high FSH
- Have had failed IVF cycles elsewhere
- Want gentle, low-medication treatment
- Prefer a more holistic or acupuncture-supported approach
- Value personalized attention from experienced physicians
FAQs & Myths
Not necessarily. Low AMH means fewer eggs, but quality can still be good—especially under 40.
Not always. Higher doses can sometimes reduce egg quality. Gentle stimulation is often more effective for low reserve.
Many studies show improved blood flow and stress reduction—both beneficial for ovarian response.
Even with AMH < 0.1 ng/mL, some women still produce eggs. A consultation helps determine if you’re a candidate for Mini IVF or PRP.
Your Journey Deserves a Personalized Path
A low AMH result does not mean it’s too late—it means it’s time for a more individualized approach. At Hanabusa IVF, we believe fertility care should fit the person, not the protocol.
“One size doesn’t fit all—especially in fertility,” emphasizes Dr. LeBlanc. “Our role is to find what works for you, not fit you into a standard box.”